Fully Certified, Jobless

[Tim Barker]

It seems as if Steb has won this argument because Leon Lu still doesn't have a job. My question is this, is there an area of IT right now that is hot? I am currently seeking my degree and was planning on doing something with Java, because I had heard that it was one of the better programming languages to get a job in if you didn't already have experience. In other words, a language like C++ was harder to start out with because there was already so many people out there with experience. So is there some area that they are always looking for someone, because there is not enough people out there?
Please only respond if you feel you know what you are talking about.

[Marcus Green]

"It seems as if Steb has won this argument because Leon Lu still doesn't have a job. "
He posted on 12 July after a 2 week search, so his total search is under 2 months. It took me the big end of 6 months. When I have been on the other side of the desk, ie recruiting people, I would be startled to fill a role in much under 2 months.
"My question is this, is there an area of IT right now that is hot? "
Yes, you could always skill up in the number 2 most in demand programming language or approximatly the number 4 most in demand it skill overall...... Hmm seems to be Java.
Don't take my word for it, go to some job sites and count the number of responses matched by keyword. I'm not saying there is not downturn in demand for Java, just that the downturn in demand for Java skills is in paralell in the overall downturn in the it market.
Marcus

[mousami bhattacharya]

Hi Everyone,
After reading all ur posts ,I wanted to add my experience.
I had around 3 yrs IT experience ,still found myself jobless one fine day.Was very very frustrated,depressed and frantically sent resume's ,posted my resume to every free resume-posting site I could lay my hands on.This continued for 3 months(feb-may).But then I got an interview call ,cleared the phone interview and face-to-face interview (fully Technical) and got a very good job .During my bench-period I cleared SCPJ and kept myself busy learning new things.
From my experience I conclude ,donot waste ur time while u are jobless.Get yourself mastered in every possible technology.
If you are just a java person ,try to master J2EE components and web servers.If you know that too go for Databases.
Knowlege never goes waste.
As about the not being able to find a job ,dont give up .I had almost given up ,but then got this wonderful job.
I know now its easier for me to say these things as I have a job now,but believe me guys I have been there.
I believe ,if you have the potential ,if you are strong in what you are showing in your resume,you will definitely bag a job.Just have patience and utilize the time you have.
Steb - stop being so pessimistic.
Thanks
Mousami

[Imran Shaikh]

Hi mousami, right now I am exactly in the same condition are you were in Feb.
I am in Vancouver Canada , I have around four years experience working with Java and related technologies.One year in India and three years in Canada.I got laid off couple of days ago.
Now I have two options , I can get Employment insurance (about one third of my actual salary)for around eight months ,can stay at home and prepare for some certifications like Oracle, Java architect ,Weblogic ,SCWD ( I have allready Programmer certification) Or I should actively start searching for jobs.
I will be very much thanfull if you guys can give me some suggestions out of your experience.
Thanks

[mousami bhattacharya]

Hi Imran,
I would suggest you do both simultaneously - search for a job ,and prepare for a certification. It might be a bit difficult but I think studying simultaneosly will help you in the interviews also.Better alot some time of day for resume postings and searching in the net ,and the rest in studying. Thats what I did .What do the others feel ???
Rgs
Mousami

[James Nuzzi]

That is exactly what I am doing now. I spend a few hours job searching and the rest of my time studying. I have been unemployed for 4 weeks now and I have managed to find the time to study for, and clear, the SCJ2P and SCJ2D. I am now studying for SCWCD.

[Imran Shaikh]

Thanks mousami and James.I have started studying for XML certification and I hope I will be able to pass this exam after two weeks and then I will go for SCWCD exam.I am also applying for jobs along with my studies..
Regards
Imran